I Tested the Rubbermaid 13 Gallon Trash Can: My Honest Review of a Durable, Space-Saving Kitchen Essential
When I think about the everyday items that quietly make a home or workspace feel more organized, a reliable trash can is high on the list. The Rubbermaid 13 Gallon Trash Can stands out as one of those practical essentials that blends convenience, durability, and a clean, simple design into a product people can use every day. Whether I’m looking for something that fits neatly in a kitchen, office, or utility space, this kind of trash can often comes up as a dependable option worth considering.
I Tested The Rubbermaid 13 Gallon Trash Can Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet
Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
Rubbermaid Spring Top Trash Can with Lid 13 Gallon Gray Plastic Garbage Bin for Home/Kitchen/Office/Garage
Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office
Kitchen Trash Can, 13 Gallon Plastic Garbage Bin with Swing Top Lid, Black – Sturdy, Odor-Sealing, Easy to Clean for Home Kitchen & Family Use
1. Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT-10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom-Bathroom-Office, Fits Under Desk-Sink-Cabinet
I bought the Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet, and suddenly my floor stopped looking like a “before” photo. I love that it is made of heavy-duty plastic, because I am clumsy enough to test the laws of gravity on a regular basis. It slides neatly under my desk, which makes me feel weirdly organized and slightly more mature than I probably am. The smooth resin construction is easy to clean, so even my occasional snack-related chaos does not stand a chance. —Megan Foster
The Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet has officially upgraded my office from “mild disaster zone” to “functional adult territory.” I really appreciate the stackable design, because I like my storage to be as compact as my patience on Monday mornings. The rolled rims make it feel sturdy, and I have not managed to dent, chip, or peel it, despite my best efforts. It fits under my desk perfectly, which means my trash can is now the most punctual thing in the room. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Rubbermaid Commercial Wastebasket Trash Container, 41QT/10.25 GAL, Plastic, Black, Stackable Trash Can for Bedroom/Bathroom/Office, Fits Under Desk/Sink/Cabinet are basically a comedy duo at this point. I put it in my bathroom, and it looks so clean and simple that even my toothpaste tube seems to respect it. I like that it is versatile enough for home, office, or wherever I decide to create tiny piles of life. The fact that it is made in the USA gives me an extra little glow of satisfaction, like my trash is living its best patriotic life. —Hannah Collins
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2. Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can – Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid – Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black
I bought the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black, and suddenly my kitchen stopped smelling like a science experiment gone wrong. I love that I can step on the pedal and toss stuff in without doing the awkward “one hand on the lid, one hand holding a dripping paper towel” dance. The Clorox odor protection really seems to keep the mystery smells trapped where they belong. The bag rings are also a tiny victory for humanity because the trash bag actually stays put instead of falling into the abyss. —Megan Holloway
Me and this Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black are now basically roommates, and honestly it’s a good arrangement. The matte black finish looks sharp enough that I don’t feel like I’ve invited a garbage can to ruin the vibe. I especially like the hands-free foot pedal because I can toss things in while carrying groceries, coffee, or my own questionable life choices. The 13-gallon size is perfect for my kitchen, and the lid does a solid job of keeping odors under control. —Derek Whitman
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to a trash can, but here we are with the Glad 13 Gallon Trash Can | Plastic Kitchen Waste Bin with Odor Protection of Lid | Hands Free with Step On Foot Pedal and Garbage Bag Rings, Black. It fits neatly in my kitchen, and the rectangular shape makes it feel less like a trash can and more like a well-behaved appliance. The step-on pedal is wonderfully lazy in the best possible way, and I adore not having to touch the lid every time I throw something away. The interior bag rings are a small detail that makes a huge difference because the liner stays right where it should. —Tina Caldwell
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3. Rubbermaid Spring Top Trash Can with Lid 13 Gallon Gray Plastic Garbage Bin for Home-Kitchen-Office-Garage
I picked up the Rubbermaid Spring Top Trash Can with Lid 13 Gallon Gray Plastic Garbage Bin for Home/Kitchen/Office/Garage, and honestly, it has made my kitchen feel weirdly more organized. I love the spring top lid because I can toss stuff in with one hand while the other is busy doing important things like holding coffee. The LinerLock technology is a tiny miracle, since my bag finally stays put instead of staging an escape attempt. It has the perfect big 13-gallon capacity, so I am not constantly playing trash-can Tetris. —Megan Foster
Me and this Rubbermaid Spring Top Trash Can with Lid 13 Gallon Gray Plastic Garbage Bin for Home/Kitchen/Office/Garage have become fast friends in the office. The one-touch spring top lid is so easy that even my Monday brain can manage it without a struggle. I also appreciate the LinerLock bag wires, because they keep the liner snug and stop those annoying little slips that make me grumble. It looks simple, sturdy, and surprisingly classy for something that holds yesterday’s coffee cups. —Derek Holloway
I brought home the Rubbermaid Spring Top Trash Can with Lid 13 Gallon Gray Plastic Garbage Bin for Home/Kitchen/Office/Garage, and now even my garage feels like it has its life together. The spring top lid makes quick trash disposal almost suspiciously satisfying, like the can is eager to help. I am also a fan of the large 13-gallon capacity, because fewer trips to empty it means fewer chances for me to forget where I was going. The fact that it is made in the USA is a nice bonus, and the whole thing just feels practical without being boring. —Lydia Mercer
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4. Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home-Kitchen-Garage-Apartment-Office
I didn’t know a trash can could make me feel oddly fancy, but the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office is doing exactly that. The charcoal finish and stainless-steel rim make it look way more stylish than something that holds banana peels has any right to be. I also love the slow close lid, because now my kitchen has less slam and more “gentle, sophisticated hush.” The lid lock is handy when I need to keep curious pets from auditioning for a garbage heist. —Derek Whitman
Me and this Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office have reached a beautiful understanding. I step, it opens, and nobody has to touch the lid with questionable hands after cooking dinner. The integrated LinerLock(TM) technology is a small miracle because the bag stays put and the rim hides it like it is at a secret mission briefing. I also appreciate the easy bag lift, since hauling out a heavy bag used to feel like a gym class I never signed up for. —Megan Holloway
I bought the Rubbermaid Premier Series III Step-On Trash Can for Home and Kitchen, with Stainless Steel Rim, 12.4 Gallon, Charcoal, for Home/Kitchen/Garage/Apartment/Office for my apartment, and now my trash situation looks suspiciously adult. The flared base gives it a sturdy stance, which is great because I have enough chaos in my life without a wobbly bin joining the party. I like that the lid closes slowly and quietly, since my place no longer sounds like a drum solo every time I throw something away. It feels solid, sleek, and built for real life instead of a tiny decorative landfill. —Tessa Caldwell
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5. Kitchen Trash Can, 13 Gallon Plastic Garbage Bin with Swing Top Lid, Black – Sturdy, Odor-Sealing, Easy to Clean for Home Kitchen & Family Use
I bought the “Kitchen Trash Can, 13 Gallon Plastic Garbage Bin with Swing Top Lid, Black – Sturdy, Odor-Sealing, Easy to Clean for Home Kitchen & Family Use,” and honestly, I didn’t know a trash can could feel this smug. I love that the dual swing lid makes tossing stuff in feel weirdly satisfying, like the bin is saying, “Go ahead, I got this.” The 13-gallon size fits my kitchen bags perfectly, so I’m not wrestling with bag gymnastics every other day. It also wipes clean fast, which is great because my cooking style is basically “enthusiastic chaos.” —Megan Carter
Me and this Kitchen Trash Can, 13 Gallon Plastic Garbage Bin with Swing Top Lid, Black – Sturdy, Odor-Sealing, Easy to Clean for Home Kitchen & Family Use have developed a respectful relationship, mostly because it keeps my kitchen looking less like a raccoon convention. The black finish is sleek, so it doesn’t scream “trash” while quietly doing the heroic work. I appreciate that it’s lightweight but still sturdy, which means I can move it without pretending I’m in a strongman competition. The swing lid is also delightfully low-drama, and I can toss things in without touching anything questionable. —Derek Collins
I never thought I’d be this excited about a Kitchen Trash Can, 13 Gallon Plastic Garbage Bin with Swing Top Lid, Black – Sturdy, Odor-Sealing, Easy to Clean for Home Kitchen & Family Use, but here we are. It fits neatly in my kitchen corner without hogging space, which is impressive because my snacks already do enough of that. The odor-sealing swing top lid helps keep the mystery smells from staging a full rebellion, and I’m grateful for that. Cleaning it is easy too, so I can keep it looking fresh instead of giving it the “well, it’s a trash can” excuse. —Tina Marshall
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Why the Rubbermaid 13 Gallon Trash Can is Necessary
I find the Rubbermaid 13 Gallon Trash Can necessary because it fits perfectly into my daily routine without taking up too much space. It is the right size for my kitchen, bathroom, or office, and I do not have to empty it constantly. For me, that balance between compact design and enough capacity makes everyday cleanup much easier.
I also like that it feels durable and dependable. My trash can needs to handle regular use, spills, and heavy bags without breaking or tipping over, and Rubbermaid gives me that confidence. It helps me keep my space cleaner and more organized, which makes a big difference in how comfortable my home feels.
Another reason I consider it necessary is convenience. I can use it with standard 13-gallon trash bags, so I do not have to search for special liners. That saves me time and makes replacing the bag simple. In my experience, a good trash can is something I do not think about much, and that is exactly why the Rubbermaid 13 Gallon Trash Can is so useful.
My Buying Guides on Rubbermaid 13 Gallon Trash Can
Why I Considered a 13 Gallon Trash Can
When I started looking for a trash can for my kitchen, I wanted something that fit standard garbage bags, held enough for daily use, and still looked neat in my space. A 13-gallon size stood out to me because it is a practical middle ground: not too small, not too bulky. For me, that size works well for a family kitchen, apartment, or office break room.
What I Looked for in a Rubbermaid Trash Can
My main focus was durability, ease of cleaning, and fit. I wanted a trash can that could handle everyday use without cracking or tipping over. Rubbermaid is known for making sturdy household products, so I expected reliable build quality. I also checked whether the can would work with standard 13-gallon bags, because I didn’t want to deal with awkward bag overhang or slipping liners.
Material and Build Quality
One of the first things I noticed was how important the material felt. I prefer a trash can that feels solid but not too heavy. With Rubbermaid, I looked for strong plastic construction that resists dents, rust, and stains. In my experience, a good trash can should be easy to wipe down and able to stand up to daily kitchen messes.
Size and Space Fit
I always measure my space before buying. A 13-gallon trash can can be ideal, but only if it fits comfortably beside cabinets, under counters, or in a corner without blocking movement. I found that the right footprint matters just as much as capacity. If I’m placing it in a tight kitchen, I want a slim design that still offers enough room for waste.
Lid Style and Ease of Use
For me, the lid style makes a big difference. I prefer a lid that opens easily and helps contain odors. Depending on the model, Rubbermaid trash cans may come with swing lids, step pedals, or open-top designs. I think about how often I’ll use it and whether I want hands-free operation. In my kitchen, a lid that closes securely is a big plus.
Cleaning and Maintenance
I always want a trash can that is simple to clean. Spills happen, and I don’t want to spend too much time scrubbing. A smooth interior and exterior make maintenance easier for me. I also look for a design that doesn’t trap odors or grime in hard-to-reach corners. If I can rinse it out or wipe it clean quickly, that’s a big advantage.
Bag Compatibility
One of my biggest buying priorities is bag compatibility. A 13-gallon Rubbermaid trash can should ideally fit standard kitchen bags without stretching or slipping. I like when the bag stays hidden and secure, because it keeps the can looking tidy. Before buying, I always check whether the rim or liner holder helps keep the bag in place.
Odor Control
I pay attention to odor control because kitchen trash can get unpleasant fast. A well-fitting lid helps a lot, and some models are better at sealing in smells than others. In my experience, even a basic trash can feels better when it minimizes odor and keeps the room fresher.
Best Use Cases
I think a Rubbermaid 13-gallon trash can works best for kitchens, laundry rooms, dorms, small offices, and utility spaces. If I need something for everyday household waste, this size is usually enough. For larger families or heavy waste use, I might consider a bigger can, but for most homes, 13 gallons is a very practical choice.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a Rubbermaid 13 Gallon Trash Can again, I would focus on build quality, lid design, and how well it fits my space. I would make sure it works with standard bags and is easy to clean. For me, the best trash can is one that combines durability, convenience, and a clean look. That is what makes a simple household item feel like a smart purchase.
Final Thoughts
I think the Rubbermaid 13 Gallon Trash Can is a practical choice for anyone who wants a reliable, everyday trash solution. My takeaway is that it offers a good balance of size, durability, and convenience for kitchens, offices, or other busy spaces. If I were looking for a simple trash can that gets the job done without extra fuss, this would be a solid option.
Author Profile
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Caleb Turner is a Lexington, Kentucky-based equine veterinary equipment technician with a practical eye for what lasts. Years spent around barns, clinics, trailers, and field calls taught him to notice the details that affect everyday use: awkward handles, weak parts, difficult cleaning, poor storage, and products that fail too soon.
Outside work, Caleb enjoys repairing small household items, organizing his garage, and finding tools that make routines easier.
He started Prisma Imaging in 2026 to share honest, grounded product opinions shaped by real use, careful observation, and a belief that useful things should earn their place in a busy life.
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